Giovanni DE PRA’ 1921-30
The custodian won two Scudetti with the Rossoblu, in an undefeated run of 33 matches in 1923, and again in 1924. He was capped 19 times by the Nazionale, winning the Bronze at the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam and is remembered for playing against Spain with a broken arm and still not conceding. In 1979, the year of his death, the road leading to the Stadio Ferraris was dedicated to the goalkeeper. He was never booked.
Gianluca SIGNORINI 1988-95
‘Il Capitano’ landed in Genoa from Roma at the request of Coach Franco Scoglio. The defender became a symbol of the team, leading the Grifoni from Serie B to their historic 1992 UEFA Cup victory against Liverpool at Anfield. Signorini died in 2002 from a neurological disease known as Lou Gehrig's syndrome, which progressively paralysed him. To honour him, Genoa retired the No 6 shirt.
Renzo DE VECCHI 1913-29
This left-back appeared for Genoa for 17 seasons after signing for the Rossoblu from Milan at the age of 19. He won three Scudetti in 1915, 1923 and 1924. The ‘Son of God’ was also capped 43 times by the Azzurri and remains the youngest player to debut with the national side, having made his first appearance at the age of 16.
Ottavio BARBIERI 1919-32
A historic defender, he was discovered by Coach William Garbutt during a friendly match. Barbieri won two Scudetti with Genoa, in 1923 and 1924, and ended his career with the Rossoblu, whom he also coached after retiring. One of the most important groups of supporters is named after him.
Claudio BRANCO 1991-93
A Brazilian defender, he is mainly remembered for scoring in the derby with Sampdoria on November 25, 1991, allowing Genoa to grab a victory that had been absent for 12 years. Branco appeared 72 times for the Seleçao, scoring nine goals, and was a World Cup winner in 1994. He also scored one of the decisive penalties in the Pasadena Final against Italy.
Luigi FERRARIS 1909-12
An intense, high-quality midfielder, he was captain of Genoa before dying in World War I. On January 1, 1933, during celebrations for the Italian football club’s 40th anniversary, the Genoa stadium was named after him.
Luigi MERONI 1962-64
Having grown up in Como’s youth team, he moved to Genoa at the age of 19 where he soon became an idol. A right winger, he later left the Rossoblu to join Torino. However, his successful career was tragically interrupted at the age of just 24 when he was struck by a car driven by future Torino President Attilio Romero.
Gennaro RUOTOLO 1988-02
A defensive midfielder, Ruotolo holds the club record of appearances with 403 matches played during six seasons in Serie A and eight seasons in Serie B, netting 35 goals. One of the most loved Genoa players of all time, he then moved to Livorno before returning to Sorrento, where he had grown up in the youth team.
Virgilio Felice LEVRATTO 1925-32
Having made his debut with the local Liguria Vado team, which he led to a Coppa Italia win in 1922, he then joined Genoa where he scored 84 goals in 188 matches with the Rossoblu. Known as ‘Sfondareti’ – Net Breaker – he was capped 28 times by the Nazionale, scoring 11 goals and winning Bronze at the 1928 Olympic Games along with teammate De Prà.
Tomas SKUHRAVY 1990-96
The Czech striker joined Genoa from Sparta Prague and formed a prolific partnership with Pato Aguilera in the early 90s. He remains the top Serie A scorer of all time for the Rossoblu, having netted 57 goals in the First Division. He appeared 163 times with the Grifoni and was also capped on 49 occasions by his national team, finishing just a goal shy of top scorer Toto Schillaci at Italia ’90. Skuhravy still lives in Genoa where he is a commentator for a local TV station.
Carlos Alberto AGUILERA 1989-92
Dubbed ‘Pato’ – Duckling – by supporters, Aguilera soon became an idol of the Curva Nord. He played 96 matches for the Rossoblu, netting 33 goals, and became part of history by scoring a brace against Liverpool in the UEFA Cup match on March 18,1992 – allowing Genoa to become the first Italian side to defeat Liverpool at Anfield in a competitive tie.
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He led Genoa to fourth spot in 1991, the team's best finish in over 50 years, allowing the Grifoni access to the UEFA Cup. He guided the club to their historic win over Liverpool at Anfield, before ending his career at Inter. He had won the 1984-85 title with Verona, the first and only Scudetto for the Scaligeri so far.